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Footprint Dimensions

Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Questions & Answers
Forum Description: issues and technical support
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=615
Printed Date: 06 Oct 2024 at 10:21am


Topic: Footprint Dimensions
Posted By: chads108
Subject: Footprint Dimensions
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2012 at 8:38am
In my current LP Wizard, once the dimensions are put in and the Land Pattern in created, the dimensions for the Silkscreen and Courtyard are displayed along with the Pad and Spacing dimensions.  I do not see that in the new Footprint Expert.  Am I missing something, or is it somewhere I haven't found yet?


Replies:
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2012 at 8:06pm
You can query objects in the PCB Footprint Expert and copy/paste values into your CAD tool.
 
However, you have to select the Layer the object is on. Then Right Mouse Click and Select "Lines" and then select a line and RMB select Properties.
 
You can select and query several different items now, but it's just the beginning phase for interactive editing features.  
 
Also, in the near future we will unleash the ability for the entire electronics industry to freely upload and download FPX files on the web. We will have millions of mfr. part numbers to offer. There will be 30 different CAD tool interfaces and anyone worldwide can purchase "Standard" PCB library parts in their native CAD tool format, using their personal library construction preferences, for $3 each from PCB Libraries, Inc.
 
So the need to access all the data to "manually build" the library part in the native CAD tool will not be neccessary in the future. We need our users to join our effort and work with PCB Libraries, Inc. to build the largest pool of physical and logical component library data in the electronics industry and automate the creation of an affordable library solution.
 

Posted By: chads108
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2012 at 6:37am

Thank you for the reply.  From my standpoint, more often than not, I am looking for the dimensions to quickly QC a footprint rather than build one.  We get footprints from different contractors and vendors, and it is my responsiblilty to make sure they conform to the IPC standard.  I can quickly put in the dimensions from the datasheet and have the tool build the footprint which I can then compare to the existing footprint and tweek if necesssary.  As you pointed out, I can query an object, but it would be nice to be able to quickly see dimensions of some the common things (eg. silkscreen, assembly outline, placement boundry, etc) in the Dimensions tab of the Footprint tab.

Posted By: rickdehart
Date Posted: 24 Oct 2012 at 9:59am

Does the Footprint Expert have measuring capabilities?  I would like to be able to take measurements prior to exporting to my CAD tool.

Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2012 at 8:50am
Right now there are some features that many people do not know about. One of them is Right Mouse Button > Select Lines. You must select the Layer from the drop-down to select a line and then Right Mouse Button > Select Properties.
 
In the status bar there are X/Y coordinate numbers that indicate the location of your cursor per the Footprint Origin.
 
But we will add a new "Measure" feature in V2013.
 


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